• Trim and file: Make sure your natural nails are at a comfortably short length so they don't grow out too soon
• Clean your nails well: Remove any polish, lotion or other products from your nails, then scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. After washing carefully wipe each nail with rubbing alcohol, acetone or the included prep pad, making sure to reach every part. This dries the nail bed out giving the glue the best possible bond. Once you’ve done this step, try not to touch your hair or face, or you'll transfer oil back onto the nail.
• Gently push back the cuticles: Use the cuticle stick to gently push the cuticle back to create space for the press-ons. Don’t cut them - just clear the space so the press-on can sit right up against the cuticle line.
• Lightly buff the surface: Use the nail buffer to lightly take the shine off your natural nail. You're looking to create a little bit of texture so the glue has something to grab onto.

Before you begin, line up the press-ons against your natural nails to find your sizes. It helps to lay them all out in order as you find the size for each finger.

• Side-to-side coverage: The nail should cover your entire nail bed without overlapping onto your skin.
• Go larger if you’re between sizes:  If you find yourself between two sizes, choose the slightly larger size. It is easier to file down a tip that is too big than to force a tip that is too small, which can cause pop-offs or discomfort.

How long do you want these to stay on? Your choice depends entirely on your schedule.

• 1–3 days: Use adhesive tabs. Best for special events or weekend looks where you want to remove them quickly afterward.
• Up to two weeks: Use nail glue. Best for everyday wear and a natural look that holds up to daily activities.

You're ready to apply your adhesive. It's easiest to apply to a single nail at a time, skipping down to Applying Your Press-On after each adhesive application, so you're not working on too many at once.

• Using adhesive tabs: Find the tab that matches your nail size and peel it off the backing. Stick it to the center of your natural nail, press it down hard to get rid of any air bubbles, and then peel the top plastic off. Align the press-on and hold it down.
• Using glue: Put a thin, even layer of glue on your natural nail and a small drop on the back of the press-on. Don’t go overboard, or it’ll seep out the sides when you press the nail down.

When you’re ready to apply the press-on, do it at an angle to avoid air pockets.

• The 45-degree rule: Place the bottom of the press-on at a 45-degree angle right at your cuticle line.
• Slowly lower it: Press it down onto your nail bed gradually. This pushes the air out toward the tip and prevents bubbles.
• Firmly squeeze: Press down hard for about 20 seconds. Make sure you’re hitting the center and the sides so the edges are sealed.

• Avoiding pop-offs: Most  pop-offs occur due to oil, lotion, polish, or any other moisture being present on the nail prior to applying the adhesive. Be extra careful to keep your nails dry clean throughout the process. 
• Match your natural curve: Be careful to select sizes where the curve of the press-on matches your natural nail curve as close as possible to avoid discomfort or pop-offs after application. Sometimes this may mean selecting a larger size nail and trimming to fit.
• Glue coverage: Full glue coverage is critical for a long lasting fit. Make sure  there is enough glue to cover the natural nail edge-to-edge once the press-on nail is fully pressed down.
• Do your dominant hand first: If you're right-handed, finish your right hand first. It's easier to use your natural fingers to help apply the nails than to try and do it once you already have long tips on.
• Avoid water: Don’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, or apply lotion for at least an hour after you finish. The glue needs time to fully set.
• Clean as you go: If you see any glue peeking out the sides, wipe it away immediately before it dries.